as in confusion
a state of mental uncertainty
poorly worded instructions that must have resulted in a lot of head-scratching
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of head-scratching
Both theories are plausible, but neither fully explains Broccoli’s head-scratching change of heart.
—
Benjamin Svetkey and Julian Sancton, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Feb. 2025
Despite those constants in the contest, the fifth slot remains a head-scratching puzzle.
—Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 22 Jan. 2025
To be of service to our readers, Ars has done the work of looking through hundreds of such items presented at the 2025 Consumer Electronic Show, pulling out the most bizarre, unnecessary, and head-scratching items.
—Ars Technica, 11 Jan. 2025
But there’s more head-scratching YouTube content for your algorithm to feast on.
—Michael Ashley, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for head-scratching
Benjamin Svetkey and Julian Sancton, The Hollywood Reporter, 26 Feb. 2025
Despite those constants in the contest, the fifth slot remains a head-scratching puzzle.
—Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 22 Jan. 2025
To be of service to our readers, Ars has done the work of looking through hundreds of such items presented at the 2025 Consumer Electronic Show, pulling out the most bizarre, unnecessary, and head-scratching items.
—Ars Technica, 11 Jan. 2025
But there’s more head-scratching YouTube content for your algorithm to feast on.
—Michael Ashley, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for head-scratching
Recent Examples of Synonyms for head-scratching
Noun
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This can cause dementia, confusion, and visual and hearing problems.—
Mark Gurarie,
Health,
16 Mar. 2025
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Further confusion, delays or uncertainty will be consuming your path now, Sagittarius.—
Kyle Thomas,
People.com,
16 Mar. 2025
Noun
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National Weather Service has warned that visibility has dropped to 1/4 mile or less amid the fog.—
Hannah Parry,
Newsweek,
20 Mar. 2025
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But after spending most of the day under low stratus clouds, patchy fog and coastal drizzle caused by onshore flow, New Yorkers will likely need an umbrella for the evening hours, as a cold front coming from the west is expected to dump up to three-quarters of an inch of rain.—
Muri Assunção,
New York Daily News,
20 Mar. 2025
Noun
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All the while, the brain hosts an even more complex tangle of chemicals.—
Elana Spivack,
Popular Science,
19 Mar. 2025
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The fighting is fueled by the region’s vast mineral wealth, and driven by a tangle of ethnic and political conflicts, as well as decades of bad governance.—
Patricia Huon,
The Christian Science Monitor,
17 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Head-scratching.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/head-scratching. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.
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